Equestrian Studies (EQST)

Equine behavior is emphasized as it relates to the care, handling, and health of the competitive sport horse. Students experience opportunities for hands-on practical application that are essential to the budding equestrian professional. Fundamental skills, proper use of equipment, and common preventive measures for equine ailments are introduced.

With a focus on the American hunter-jumper forward riding system, classical dressage, reining, and Western sports, students explore the theory and methodology of diverse riding styles. Students apply industry-standard terms and methodologies to analyze real-world scenarios, and identify appropriate riding positions, aids, and tools for mounted control of a horse.

Through elevated engagement with riding fundamentals, students deepen their understanding of riding theory, and further develop training practices for handling equine evasions under saddle. Studying rehabilitation of previously trained or rescued horses, students learn to recognize equine issues and identify strategies for improvement. Students apply industry-standard language and methodologies to analyze real-world scenarios and identify the appropriate riding positions, aids, and tools necessary for advanced riding.

Students gain interactive experience in advanced horse care, including proper emergency care, first aid and bandaging techniques, and infectious disease control. Students also explore concepts of equine dental health, farrier science, nutrition, and sports medicine.

The evolution of the horse is studied from its ancient beginnings to domestication, including a focus on the philosophies of classical equitation masters and how the physical capabilities of horses apply to equestrian sport. The course emphasizes the horse’s relationship with humans throughout time, including its impact on the arts.

Training techniques and methods are practiced in hands-on sessions with SCAD horses throughout this course. Emphasis is placed on groundwork and the ability of the trainer to correctly influence the horse through systematic and graduated training principles, including the proper use of tools and equipment.

Designing an equine facility is a blend of science and art. This course takes an in-depth look at the needs of the horse, anticipated facility uses and management styles for a variety of horse properties. Students showcase their knowledge, talents and creativity in the final project where they apply an understanding of types of structures, materials, equine safety needs, site planning, zoning and building regulations, and environmental impacts.

A thorough understanding of equine anatomy and physiology is crucial for the proper care and training of the performance horse. By examining the complex interaction of bones, muscle groups and internal organs in the equine athlete, students understand the importance of maintaining the delicate balance of internal and external structures, while at the same time enabling the horse to achieve peak performance.

Students study all aspects of starting and operating a successful equine-related business. By exploring the regulations, ethics and management techniques unique to the equine industry, students gain a solid foundation of business concepts. Included in this course are cutting-edge entrepreneurial skills, such as the creation of a strategy plan, that keep the learning environment engaging and relevant.

Students further their knowledge of the systems of the horse, learning the common diseases and disorders. Students become familiar with the pathophysiology, clinical signs, diagnoses, and treatments associated with each disease and disorder. Emphasis is placed on the detection and early treatment of ailments.

Students explore equestrian pedagogy, learning teaching techniques and theories to form an individual style within a systematic approach to teaching riding. Lesson plans, goals and learning outcomes are studied along with the psychology of teaching.

This hands-on course provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary for professional success as riding instructors. Theories and methods of riding instruction developed by classical and modern masters are practiced. Students observe experienced riding instructors, develop lesson plans and conduct mock lessons with classmates under the instructor's supervision.

Students learn how to evaluate the horse and rider’s performance in competition. Judging criteria and protocol for hunters, equitation, dressage and eventing are explored with a focus on the rules outlined by the United States Equestrian Federation. Students are made aware of the procedures and the requirements necessary to become a licensed official.

Mastery of the rules and regulations and course design for recognized competition is imperative for the professional equestrian. Students become immersed in competition management, including licensing, conduct and sportsmanship, class specifications of various disciplines and divisions, and how to avoid violations and penalties. Students also explore the artistry of designing courses for competition.

Students are immersed in the growing world of equine sports medicine and rehabilitation. Common sport horse injuries, their diagnosis and treatment, as well as rehabilitation protocols are studied. Exposure to the newest techniques and hands-on opportunities heightens the student experience.

To ensure the health and wellbeing of competition horses, students must understand the important principles of equine care and therapy. Students learn equine massage techniques tailored to the individual horse’s needs, with a focus on muscular health and physiology. Through observation and hands-on practice, students identify areas of tension and apply therapeutic techniques that improve overall wellness and athletic performance. Students gain both practical skills and foundational knowledge in equine massage therapy, preparing them for professional practice.

This course is designed to guide students through their professional development as they refine their specializations and prepare for successful careers in the equestrian industry. Emphasis is placed on career preparation, in-depth research and industry-specific expectations.

Internships offer students valuable opportunities to work in a professional environment and gain firsthand experience to help them prepare for careers. In an approved internship setting, a student typically spends one quarter working with an on-site professional supervisor and a faculty internship supervisor to achieve specific goals and objectives related to the program of study.